WS Item 1

Travis County Commissioners Court Agenda Request

Meeting Date: August 29, 2013 WORK SESSION Prepared By/Phone Number: David Salazar, 854-9555 Elected/Appointed Official/Dept. Head: Samuel T. Biscoe Travis County Judge Commissioners Court Sponsor: Judge Biscoe

AGENDA LANGUAGE:

DISCUSS TEXAS HIGH SPEED RAIL AND TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION AND UPDATE ON TEXAS HIGH SPEED RAIL DEVELOPMENTS.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY OF REQUEST AND ATTACHMENTS:

STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

FISCAL IMPACT AND SOURCE OF FUNDING:

REQUIRED AUTHORIZATIONS:

The Future of Transportation and Economic Development in Texas

Executive Committee Rose Cannaday Chair July 19, 2013 Councilmember, City of Irving

Gary Fickes The Honorable Samuel Biscoe Co-Chair Commissioner, Tarrant County County Judge

Kenny Mallard Travis County Vice Chairman Commissioner, Brazos County P.O. Box 1748 Paul Lovier Vice Chairman Austin, TX 78767 Judge, Franklin County

Tim Welch Secretary RE: Invitation to join the Texas High Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation Councilmember, City of North Richland Hills (THSRTC)

Tim Campbell Treasurer Councilmember, City of Garland Dear Judge Biscoe, Members & Associate Members Pat McCoy Commissioner, Bowie County When President Eisenhower signed the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act on June 29,

Ann Horton 1956, he began a new epoch in the history of America. Through this historic piece of legislation, the Mayor Pro Tem, City of Bryan coasts came closer together because dependable highways allowed efficient and timely movement of

William D. Tate goods and people. Mayor, City of Grapevine

Edith Omberg Mayor, City of Hillsboro In our lifetime, the emergence of high-speed rail technology will revolutionize transportation and

Stephen Lindsey commerce in America and in Texas in a similar way. For Texas specifically, the second largest state Councilmember, City of Mansfield, TX in the Union will become strikingly smaller-distances shrink as travel speed accelerates. Travel times John Terrell from the DFW Metroplex to Houston and Austin and San Antonio will be less than ninety minutes. Mayor, City of Southlake

Mary Lib Saleh Mayor, City of Euless High-speed rail is defined as passenger trains capable of operating at speeds in excess of 200 miles

Resource & Cooperating Agencies per hour, for companies, this dramatic shrinking of travel times opens up new possibilities for L.D. Williamson employers, workers and customers alike to access new opportunities, and rethink where and how Executive Director Ark-Tex Council of Governments they live, work and shop.

Tom Wilkinson, Jr. Executive Director Numerous countries have demonstrated that by embracing and developing true high-speed intercity Brazos Valley Council of Governments passenger rail, their ability to reduce traffic congestion, promote higher-density sustainable David Cleveland Executive Director development, assist economic development, and improve air quality and travel efficiency is East Texas Council of Governments dramatically enhanced. In countries around the world high-speed trains have succeeded, and Kenneth Simons Executive Director enhanced all modes of travel by connecting major airports, cities and population corridors. Many of Heart of Texas Council of Governments these successful countries have sent representatives to Texas, studied our state, and believe their Jim Reed successful technology will work here. Executive Director, Central Texas Council of Governments

Da Hsuan Feng, Ph.D. The efforts to bring safe, fast, and energy-efficient high-speed passenger rail to serve the State of Vice President National Tsing Hua University Texas have entered a new and rapidly evolving phase of development.

Carroll Robinson Associate Dean Texas Southern University Recent actions signal that high-speed passenger rail (HSR) is closer than ever to becoming a reality

Elton E. Stuckly, Jr. in Texas, and the Texas High Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation (THSRTC) has quickly President, Texas State Technical College established itself as the preeminent voice for high-speed rail across this state. Many consider

Keith McFarland THSRTC’s unique Texas T-Bone alignment, with its extensions into Arkansas, Louisiana, and President, Texas A&M University – Texarkana Oklahoma along the federally designated corridors, an ideal candidate to champion the technology in

Dr. Dan Jones the United States. We believe that you can play a significant role in helping us make this a reality. President, Texas A&M University – Commerce

R. Bowen Loftin THSRTC’s mission is to connect the major population centers of the state: Dallas-Fort Worth, President, Texas A&M University – College Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, through the “Texas T-Bone” alignment. The Texas T-Bone is a Station much more cost competitive and efficient corridor and serves a larger population than the previously Gary Fickes Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition proposed and antiquated Texas Triangle from the early 1990s. The “Texas T-Bone” also links a

much greater percentage of our population at less cost because it spans a shorter distance. Meanwhile, it facilitates our military’s need for quicker deployment of personnel, equipment, and munitions.

DEAN INTERNATIONAL, INC. Public Policy Consultants 8080 Park Lane, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75231 Phone: 214.750.0123 Fax: 214.750.0124

The Future of Transportation and Economic Development in Texas

What is THSRTC? THSRTC is a not-for-profit corporation created and owned by its numerous member cities, counties and other transportation related organizations. Our distinguished members share a legitimate concern for the future of transportation and the quality of life along these strategic corridors and a willingness to proactively pursue the development of a HSR network that will be seamlessly integrated into existing and future transportation systems to transform passenger travel and stimulate economic development for generations to come. Led and directed by cities and counties, THSRTC has developed a business plan and performance and design standards that prioritize the mobility and planning needs of the communities and stakeholders along the Corridor.

Global Outreach Program. THSRTC has been executing an extensive outreach program for both domestic and international businesses. This focus arose from the realization that the Federal and State governments will be unable to assist in funding high-speed rail projects. The international business community’s knowledge, resources and financing capabilities are a key to success for the THSRTC vision as we seek to leverage their expertise in bringing high-speed rail to Texas. The THSRTC model - a model that is widely used with other modes of transportation including seaports and airports - presents the best financing system for bringing high-speed rail to Texas.

The Financing Model that THSRTC advocates for requires no new taxes. Using a public private partnership between local cities and counties and developers, there will be no need for Federal or even State funds for the project. The private developer will carry the risk, and the citizens of the State of Texas will reap the benefits.

THSRTC has wide-ranging and high-ranking support. In addition to building a stable foundation of city and county membership, THSRTC has gained immense support for the Texas T-Bone at the local, state, and federal levels of government, as well as from our military. We have an established caucus supporting us in the Texas Legislature and in the U.S. Congress.

THSRTC: Providing you a seat at the table. As more and more important decisions regarding project financing, governance, alignments, station locations, and development strategies are made in the coming months, it is especially important that all stakeholders be sufficiently represented. Please join us at our Regional Quarterly Meetings, held each quarter in cities across the state. These meetings provide the opportunity for our member cities and stakeholders to come and work together to bring the best possible high-speed rail system to the citizens of Texas.

Please join THSRTC. We need your help. It is now more important than ever that those cities, counties, businesses, and institutions along the South Central High Speed Rail Corridor and those in the international community create and sustain a collective focus on making this project a champion for high-speed rail in the U.S. We believe that you can and should be a valuable partner in this effort, and we strongly encourage you to consider active membership in our organization. Your knowledge and presence is essential to our success. It is our hope that we can work together to provide the best high-speed rail service in the world to the great State of Texas. Travis County’s membership dues are $50,000 for FYE 2014.

We would like to schedule a meeting with you to discuss this opportunity, a partnership with THSRTC. Russell Schaffner, Sr. Public Policy Consultant or Public Policy Consultant, Matt Brasseaux will contact your office to schedule a formal briefing. Should you have any questions or desire additional information, prior to a scheduled formal briefing on this opportunity, please contact Russell at Dean International, Inc. at 214.750.0123 or at [email protected] or Matt at 214.750.0123 or at [email protected].

Best Regards,

Rose Cannaday Gary Fickes Councilmember, City of Irving Commissioner, Tarrant County THSRTC Chair THSRTC Co-Chair

WWW.THSRTC.COM DEAN INTERNATIONAL, INC. Public Policy Consultants 8080 Park Lane, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75231 Phone: 214.750.0123 Fax: 214.750.0124

Texas High Speed Rail & Transportation Corporation

TM

Dean International, Inc. Public Policy Consultants 8080 Park Lane, Suite 600 • Dallas, Texas 75231 Phone (214) 750-0123 • Fax (214) 750-0124 The Future of Transportation and Economic Development in Texas

1 THSRTC Vision

A multimodal and inter-modal transportation system linking the four major metropolitan areas of the State of Texas together by the most advanced high speed rail system in the world located in the Texas T-Bone Corridor.

2 Grassroots Approach

•THSRTC is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to bringing together specific regions of the State of Texas in a grassroots, collective effort to improve multi-modal surface transportation and bring high speed rail to the State of Texas.

•Since its inception in October 2002, the corporation’s membership has grown to represent close to 12 million Texans.

•Our members share a legitimate concern for the future of transportation in the State and a willingness to proactively pursue Texas’ best interests.

3 -ICE 3 Class 407 Germany • Trains have been a leading competitor in the High Speed Rail Industry. • Set to begin operation in 2013, the new ICE 3 will not disappoint. • Travel at speeds over 200 mph • Seats over 450 passengers • Energy Efficient • Safety Tested • Comfortable atmosphere that provides an enjoyable experience for all those traveling.

4 Bombardier- Zefiro 380 Germany • Bombardiers new Zefiro 380 takes traveling by train to the next level. • Set to begin operation in 2013 • Capable of speeds up to 230 mph • Compatible to either an 8 or 16 car formation • Energy Efficient • Safety tested • Interior flexibility for maximum comfort for all passengers.

5 Hitachi- E6 Japan • Scheduled to begin operation in March of 2013, the Shinkansen E6 series is expected to quickly become an industry leader. • Travel at speeds up to 200 mph • Capable of carrying over 300 passengers. • Energy Efficient • The Shinkansen not only provides a comfortable, safe, and efficient means of travel but it also provides national pride and heritage behind the sleek design.

6 - Avril Spain • The Avril High Speed Train is a state of the art high speed rail system that has surpassed all expectations. • Travel at speeds of 230 mph • Capacity of 600 passengers • Energy Efficient due to its lightweight construction • Proven to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all traveling passengers.

7 Eurotunnel- United Kingdom, France, Belgium • The Eurostar has a 20 year track record that has proven its sustainability, its speed, and its comfort. • Since operation began the Eurostar has become the dominant mode of transportation, carrying more passengers than all airlines combined. • Capable of maintaining speeds of 186 mph • It has proven to be safe, comfortable, and efficient for those traveling in England, France, and Belgium.

8 China South - CRH380A China • The CRH380A is an upgrade to a long lasting line of high speed rail systems in China. • Operation began in 2010 and the CRH380A has made its presence in China. • Cruising speeds reach 217 mph, but is capable of reaching speeds up to 236 mph. • Option between an 8 car formation (494 passengers) and a 16 car formation (1066 passengers) • The new sheik design inside and out is allowing the CRH380A to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

9 Kawasaki, Hitachi- THSR 700T Taiwan • Since operation began in 2007 the THSR 700T has progressively become the ideal way to travel in Taiwan. • The THSR 700T is capable of moving over 900 passengers at speeds of up to 186 mph. • With upgraded safety features to meet the European safety measures the THSR 700T is able to provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable ride through the mountainous terrain of Taiwan.

10 Korail- KTX Korea • The KTX has been Koreas preeminent mode of transportation since operation began in 2004. • Over 110,000 passengers ride the high speed rail everyday. • Capable of reaching speeds of 190 mph. • Fast, comfortable, and convenient for all passengers. • The KTX has performed and proven its sustainability and ranks amongst the top High Speed Rail Systems in the world.

11 Global High Speed Rail Comparisons

Texas / Japan Comparison Texas / North East Corridor

12 Global High Speed Rail Comparisons

Texas / Korea Texas / Taiwan

13 Texas T-Bone

•Most efficient route connecting the 4 largest metropolitan city centers in the Fort Worth-Dallas state, covering 470 Hillsboro miles Waco Fort Hood •The route covers over Temple-Kileen Bryan College Station 70% of Texas’ current Austin population Houston San Antonio •Will cover 80% of population by 2040

The Future of Transportation and Economic Development in Texas

14 T-Bone Corridor Extensions

Oklahoma City Little Rock Memphis

Ft. Worth-Dallas El Paso

Houston New Orleans San Antonio Key Major Metro Areas Major Interstate Highways Proposed High Speed Rail Route Federally Designated High Speed Rail Gulf Coast Route 15 Texas T-Bone vs. Texas Triangle Design

395 Miles 705 Miles

16 17 18 Transit Oriented Development

Retail stores thrive from pedestrians

Areas around the stations are ideal for mixed use and dense development

Offices close to the station would allow workers to take the Living close to the train instead of station allows fighting traffic commuters to work in different city

19 Trade and Economic Impacts

Texas is the number one exporter in the U.S. • Texas accounts for more than 17% of all U.S. exports.

Business and Industry Data Center 2011 http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/

#12 World ranking of Texas’ Gross State Product in comparison to the Gross Domestic Products of other countries.

Business and Industry Data Center 2009 http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/

20 Why Texas? •Central Time Zone and Central Location

•Southern climate

•Right to work state

•No corporate taxes

•No personal income tax

21 Why Texas? •Surface highway infrastructure is lacking funds for sufficient maintenance.

•1,200 mile border with Mexico

•950 mile border with gulf of Mexico

•Sustainable population growth Births Immigration Relocation

22 51.7 million The projected Texas population in 2040. •An increase of approximately 26.6 million from 2010. •Our population more than doubles! 80% Projected Population Growth in Texas Percentage of Texas population along (2000-2040) THSRTC Texas T-Bone Corridor in 2040.

50 •The population along Texas T-Bone Corridor is 40 projected to be 40,589,538 in 2040. 30 20

10 P opulation in M illions

•The present population along the Texas T-Bone 0 Corridor is 17,961,075. That’s over 2/3 (71%) of Texas’ population. 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Year Source: Texas State Data Center, Texas A&M Total Texas Population University Department of Rural Sociology

Texas T-Bone Population

23 Trains, Planes and Automobiles

Travel Means Travel Volume Highway – 110,000 Routes I-35 – 50,000 I-45 – 26,000 I-10 – 22,000 SH 290 – 12,000 Air – 25,000 (approx) Routes Dallas/Fort Worth – Houston 6,500 Houston – San Antonio 8,750 San Antonio – Dallas/Fort Worth 3,950 Austin – Houston 2,700 Dallas/Fort Worth – Austin 2,990 HSR Ridership Dallas/Fort Worth to Houston - 294 miles 1 hour 30 minutes San Antonio to Dallas/Fort Worth – 1 hour 20 minutes 273 miles

24 Transportation Study

HSR In Texas • Estimated HSR Market Share: 85%

• Estimated Texas HSR Annual Ridership : 8 Million

• Daily Ridership: 22,000

L:\THSRTC\Presentations\UTA • Estimated Annual Revenues Presentation.pdf for HSR Tickets: $650 Million!

25 THSRTC Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Rose Cannaday Gary Fickes Kenny Mallard Chair Co-Chairman Vice Chairman Councilmember Commissioner Commissioner City of Irving Tarrant County Brazos County

Paul Lovier Tim Welch Tim Campbell Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Judge Councilmember Councilmember Franklin County City of North Richland Hills City of Garland

Members and Associate Members

Pat McCoy Stephen Lindsey Mary Lib Saleh Danny Dunn Commissioner Councilmember Mayor Mayor Bowie County City of Mansfield City of Euless City of Temple

Edith Omberg Ann Horton William Tate John Terrell Paul Lovier Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Mayor Judge City of Hillsboro City of Bryan City of Grapevine City of Southlake Franklin County

26 Members of THSRTC

Resource Agencies Da Hsuan Feng Dr. Dan Jones R. Bowen Loftin Senior Executive Vice President, Texas A&M President, Texas A&M President, National University- Commerce University- College Station Cheng Kung University

Keith McFarland Carroll Robinson Elton E. Stuckly, Jr. President, Texas A&M Associate Dean, Texas President, Texas State University- Texarkana Southern University Technical College - Waco

Cooperating Agencies

Jim Reed Tom Wilkinson, Jr. David Cleveland Alan C. Clark Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director Director of Transportation Central Texas C.O.G. Brazos Valley C.O.G. East Texas C.O.G. Houston-Galveston Area Council

Kenneth Simons Gary Fickes L.D. Williamson Bill Hammond Executive Director Tarrant Regional Executive Director President Heart of Texas C.O.G. Transportation Coalition Ark-Tex C.O.G. Texas Association of Business

27 CONGRESSIONAL

CAUCUS John Cornyn, (R-TX) John Boozman( R- AR)

Eddie Bernice Johnson, Kevin Brady, (R-TX) Michael Burgess, (R-TX) John Carter, (R-TX) Henry Cuellar, (D-TX) Blake Farenthold, (R-TX) Bill Flores, (R-TX) (D-TX)

Kay Granger, (R-TX) Gene Green, (D-TX) Ralph Hall, (R-TX) Sheila Jackson-Lee, (D-TX)Kenny Marchant, (R-TX) Michael McCaul, (R-TX) Randy Neugebauer, (R-TX)

Pete Sessions, (R- Pete Olson, (R-TX) Ted Poe, (R-TX) Roger Williams, (R-TX) Mark Veasey, (D-TX) Don Young,(R-AK) TX) 28 LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS State Senate

Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator John Carona, Wendy Davis, Robert Deuell, Rodney Ellis, Craig Estes District 16, TX District 10, TX District 2, TX District 13, TX District 30, TX

Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Carlos Uresti, Royce West, Kirk Watson, John Whitmire, Tommy Williams, District 19, TX District 23, TX District 14, TX District 15, TX District 4, TX

29 LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

State House of Representatives

Rep. Joe Rep. Roberto R. Rep. George Rep. Dan Flynn, Rep. Jim Pitts, Rep. Charlie Geren, Pickett, Alonzo Lavender, District 2, TX District 10, TX District 99, TX District 79, TX District 104, TX District 1, TX

Rep. Gary Rep. Ralph Rep. Walls Rep. Linda Rep. Patricia Rep. Wayne Elkins, Sheffield, McCrary, Harper-Brown Harless, Smith District 135, TX District 55, TX District 15, AR District 105, TX District 126, TX District 128, TX

30 LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS State House of Representatives

Rep. Bennett Rep. Armando Rep. Jessica Rep. Lois Rep. Ruth Jones Rep. Phil Ratliff Walle Farrar Kolkhorst McClendon Stephenson District 115, TX District 140, TX District 148, TX District 13, TX District 120, TX District 85, TX

Rep. Senfronia Rep. Michael Rep. Ryan Rep. John Rep. Armando Rep. Bill Thompson Villarreal Guillen Otto Martinez Zedler District 141, TX District 123, TX District 36, TX District 18, TX District 39, TX District 96, TX

31 Texas High Speed Rail & Transportation Corporation

TM

Dean International, Inc. Public Policy Consultants 8080 Park Lane, Suite 600 • Dallas, Texas 75231 Phone (214) 750-0123 • Fax (214) 750-0124 The Future of Transportation and Economic Development in Texas

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